If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen, wondering what delicious dinner to whip up after a long day, I totally get you. That’s exactly how garlic Parmesan chicken pasta became my go-to crowd-pleaser. Like many home cooks, I’ve had those “I don’t know what to cook” evenings, when I want something flavorful but easy—and this dish just fits that bill perfectly. Fast, full of cozy, creamy goodness, and packed with tender chicken and pasta smothered in garlic Parmesan sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
What I love most about garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is how it fits effortlessly into my everyday foodie life. It’s approachable enough to make after work but impressive enough to bring to a casual dinner with friends. No fancy ingredients, no hours spent fussing—just simple staples coming together into a creamy garlic chicken pasta masterpiece. Honestly, every time I make this Parmesan chicken pasta recipe, the kitchen fills with such an irresistible aroma of garlic and Parmesan cheese that everyone wanders in for a taste test before I’m even done.
I remember the first time I nailed this dish—it was one of those happy kitchen wins where everything came together exactly right. The chicken was juicy, the garlic butter chicken pasta silky smooth, and the flavor balanced perfectly. It quickly earned a spot in our regular dinner rotation and I found myself sharing it on Facebook, inspiring friends to give the recipe a go too.
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta also blends beautifully with my other favorite chicken recipes. If this sounds like your jam, you might also love trying my easy chicken spaghetti recipe, or if you’re in the mood for soup, my turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup is just the thing. And for a twist, I’ve recently noticed some fabulous variations on one pot garlic Parmesan pasta recipes popping up here’s a great one from Prevention RD that make clean-up a breeze.
Friends, if you want an easy garlic chicken pasta dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and just downright satisfying, this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta recipe is what you’re craving. Ready to cook together? Let’s dive in and make a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.
What You’ll Need:
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s the scoop on what goes into this creamy garlic chicken pasta:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced or cubed
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (I love penne or fettuccine for this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta)
- 3 tablespoons butter (grab this at any regular grocery store)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (if you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (whole milk works for a lighter creamy garlic chicken pasta version)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (the star of the Parmesan chicken pasta recipe—it melts like magic)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs (basil, oregano—use what you have!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional but it adds a lovely fresh pop, I always add a little extra)
Out of chicken breasts? No problem, thighs work great in this garlic butter chicken pasta too, and they bring extra juiciness. Leftover chicken from a roast? Perfect for tossing in here and speeding things up.
One bonus: this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is kind to your wallet because it’s built on pantry-friendly basics and simple proteins. No fancy cheese blends or specialty ingredients needed.
Quick prep tip: Get that garlic minced and your Parmesan grated before you start cooking—it speeds things up and keeps the vibe easy. And if you have leftovers of this creamy garlic chicken pasta (which totally happens), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that luscious sauce.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to make some magic happen with this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta? Here’s my favorite way to get it done, step by step. Start to finish, this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or a weekend treat.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Pro tip: save ½ cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Sear the chicken: While pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir frequently, cooking until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible right here.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time until smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water, a bit at a time, to loosen things up.
- Final touches: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for that fresh finish I always love.
This step is where I learned to be patient with my garlic Parmesan chicken pasta—it makes all the difference. Letting the sauce gently bubble to meld flavors yields the best creamy garlic chicken pasta experience, every time. Plus, while that’s going on, you can pour yourself something to drink and relax.
If your garlic Parmesan chicken pasta looks like it’s thickened too much, don’t panic! Just add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out and stir until smooth. Also, for a shortcut, I’ve used store-bought grilled chicken to save time—it works beautifully to keep this an easy garlic chicken pasta weeknight winner.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta truly shines when you serve it with something fresh and crisp on the side to balance out the creamy richness. I love pairing it with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. They add great texture and color.
Weeknight dinners are my favorite time for this Parmesan chicken pasta recipe because it’s satisfying and quick, but it also shines when we have people over. Everyone loves a bowl full of garlicky, cheesy comfort that’s not complicated. When I’ve hosted dinner, this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta usually gets asked for seconds and then for the recipe!
For leftovers, a clever makeover is tossing the pasta into a casserole dish, topping with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then baking for a cozy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake. It’s a lovely twist when you want to switch up the presentation.
Seasonally, I’ve experimented with swapping fresh basil in summer or stirring in roasted pumpkin puree for fall, which gives the sauce a warm, slightly sweet depth.
Your Questions, Answered:
I love chatting with friends about this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, so here are some common questions I get:
- Q1: Can I prep parts of this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta ahead?
Yes! You can slice or cube your chicken and even grate Parmesan a day ahead. Cook the pasta a bit underdone and toss with a little oil to store in the fridge. Then, reheat quickly when ready. - Q2: What’s a good swap for heavy cream in this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta?
Milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch works to keep the sauce creamy but lighter. Coconut cream is a fun dairy-free alternative if that’s your vibe. - Q3: How can I make this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta for more or fewer people?
Simple! Just scale the ingredients up or down. The pasta cooks in the same time, and the sauce ingredients scale nicely. Keeping the garlic Parmesan chicken pasta balanced means tasting as you go. - Q4: Can I make this as a one pot garlic Parmesan pasta?
Absolutely! There are some killer one pot garlic Parmesan pasta variations online like this one from Munchin with Maddie. They cut down dishes, which is always a win. - Q5: What pasta types work best?
I like sturdier noodles like penne, fusilli, or fettuccine—they hold up well in the creamy sauce and carry flavor. - Q6: How do I keep the chicken tender?
Don’t overcook! Medium heat and cooking just until no longer pink keeps it juicy for your garlic Parmesan chicken pasta. - Q7: Can I add veggies to this recipe?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes—you name it. Add them during the sauce step for easy veggies that boost flavor.
Already loving the idea? For more everyday foodie inspiration, check out my chicken avocado ranch burritos—another big hit in my kitchen.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This garlic Parmesan chicken pasta has a forever spot in my foodie heart because of its warm, comforting flavors and how effortlessly it comes together. It’s genuinely one of the easiest ways to feel like you’re eating something special at home without hours in the kitchen.
My Top garlic Parmesan chicken pasta Tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for that silky, melty magic.
- Don’t rush the garlic step—it’s where the flavor base really happens.
- Save a bit of pasta water and use it to loosen the sauce when needed.
Over time, I’ve loved trying variations like swapping in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy brightness, stirring in baby spinach for a green boost, or swapping out heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten things up. But the version that usually gets requested the most by friends is the classic creamy garlic chicken pasta with Parmesan and fresh garlic—simple, rich, and exactly what you want when comfort food calls.
I hope you’ll make this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta your own—tweak it how you like, add your favorite veggies, or make it into a one pot garlic Parmesan pasta for easy cleanup. Whatever you do, it’s a recipe that celebrates sharing good food with people you love.
Excited to hear what you think once you’ve made it—this garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is waiting for you to take it for a whirl!
If you loved this creamy garlic chicken pasta, be sure to visit this yummy Recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for an extra garlic butter chicken pasta twist!
Ready for more? For another tasty chicken pasta hit check out my easy chicken spaghetti recipe, or when you want something soothing, my turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup is a gem.
Enjoy cooking, friends!
garlic Parmesan chicken pasta
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta combines tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add red pepper flakes if using, and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce; mix well to coat.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add steamed broccoli or spinach to the pasta before tossing in the sauce.